I discovered Britain’s newest isle & claimed it for Sun readers

A NEW island has suddenly appeared off the UK coast — and The Sun yesterday claimed it for our readers.

We planted a flag in the deserted 100metre-long outcrop, plonked down a chair and enjoyed the nation’s favourite newspaper with a cold beer.

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Despite the gusts, overcast skies and chilly 7C temperatures, we named it Sunny Island — and it could soon be available for getaways.

The mysterious formation has been gradually enlarged by stones and shingle getting shifted by the tides off Keyhaven, Hampshire.

It offers spectacular views across the Solent of the Isle of Wight and the famous Needles.

However visitors will have to time their trips as it disappears at high tide.

Tourists can reach it by boat, as we did, or by swimming from nearby historic Hurst Castle, which we did not.

It has been reported to the UK Hydrographic Office, which maps the seas around Britain, to stop ships running aground on it.

But Jason Crane, who runs a ferry service to Hurst Castle, is prepared to take Sun readers there from April.

He said: “This is the perfect spot for a sunbathe and a can of beer far from the madding crowd.”

Sailors Chris Fox and Nick Ryley from Lymington Yacht Club reckon they spotted it first.

Mr Fox, who is his 50s, said: “We had been monitoring the island for a while.

“It started as a strange lump in the sea and just kept growing.”

They called it Lentune Island — after Lymington’s original name — but The Sun rebranded it yesterday after dashing down from London.

One expert believes it may have been caused by English Heritage protecting the castle at Hurst Spit, a mile-long shingle bank.

Dr Luciana Esteves, an associate professor in physical geography at Bournemouth University, said: “Sources indicate 7,500 tons of ­shingle were added to the edge of the spit after damage to the wall of Hurst Castle in 2021.

“It’s possible recent conditions moved the shingle, forming this new shoal.”

English Heritage said: “The Hurst Spit and the wider coastal environment around Hurst Castle is complex and ever-changing, facing issues such as longshore drift, rising sea levels and more frequent storms.”

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